Structure of the Ph.D. degree course

The Ph.D. degree course at the University of St.Gallen is comprised of coursework, the research stage and graduation.

Coursework
Your coursework encompasses at least 12 and a maximum of 36 credits, depending on the programme

Research proposal: evidence of the thesis objective, methodological approach and preliminary research work

Colloquium on the research proposal: the thesis project and reasons for the approach are presented

Length: courses and research proposal within four semesters

Research stage

Seminars: thesis-related seminars and thesis colloquia with a maximum of 24 credits, depending on the programme

Ph.D. thesis: must be an independent research project in which the Ph.D. student demonstrates his or her in-depth expertise and a grasp of scientific methods. A cumulative thesis is also possible, whereby the student should take account varying requirements depending on the programme.

Defence of thesis: to demonstrate that the requirements of the Ph.D. thesis have been met

Length: within ten semesters from the start of your Ph.D. studies.

Graduation
The Senate awards you the title of Ph.D. once you have passed the examinations and your Ph.D. thesis has been accepted. The President of the university presents the Ph.D. title at a ceremony. Attendance is mandatory.

The graduation ceremony takes place on the first day of the semester. The next graduation ceremony: 17 February 2020 at 5:15 p.m. in the Audimax

A detailed description of Ph.D. degrees is listed in the Award Regulations for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Once you have received your Ph.D. certificate you are officially permitted to bear the title accordingly.